Tips from Tarps
Reminder from Dean of Student Affairs
Listed below are important attendance policy reminders and information for all parents/guardians and students.
Process for Skips
The code SK (verified skip) is assigned in PowerSchool if a student is absent from a class during the school day and a parent/guardian has not notified the Attendance Office of the absence or documentation was not provided to support the absence.
- The Attendance Office will change A (absence) to SK in PowerSchool. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the teacher or the Attendance Office if they feel the SK has been assigned in error. (Students should be reviewing their attendance in PowerSchool daily.) Please note: Parents/Guardians of students absent without a call are contacted by the automated system (email and phone call).
- If the parent/guardian has not confirmed the absence with the Attendance Office within 2 days, the Attendance Office will send an email to the teacher requesting that two detentions be assigned to the student for skipping the class. In addition to assigning the detentions, the teacher must notify parents/guardians of the skip.
Reporting of Absence/Late Arrival/Early Dismissal
Parents are required to notify the Attendance Office by 9:00am on the day of the student’s absence or late arrival. If an emergency arises during the school day, a phone call from a parent to the Attendance Office is required for early dismissal by 2:00pm. A student must provide proper verification to the Attendance Office following a late arrival, early dismissal or leaving and returning during the school day. An absence will be counted as a skip/unexcused absence without proper verification submitted upon arrival. For more information see Truancy. Students will receive consequences for unexcused absences in all adviser group meetings, liturgies, assemblies, class/club meetings, pep rallies and any other school activity where attendance is mandatory. Examples of proper verification include but are not limited to a doctor’s note, police ticket or court documents.
There are three ways to reach the Attendance Office: call 248-476-8020, ext. 1616; call the 24-hour attendance line at 248-476-2222; or email attendance@mhsmi.org.
Long-Term Absences (2 or more days)
Since sufficient vacation is provided in the school calendar, additional vacation time is not condoned. If special circumstances require a student’s absence, not coinciding with school vacations, the following long-term absence process must be followed:
- A parent/guardian must inform the Dean of Student Affairs by e-mail or letter at least one week prior to the anticipated long-term absence.
- The Dean of Student Affairs notifies the student’s adviser, counselor and all teachers of the anticipated long-term absence.
- The student will work with each teacher to arrange a day/time to make up all missing assignments and assessments.
- The parent/guardian notifies the Attendance Office, 248-476-2222, of the long-term absence no later than 9:00am of the first day of the absence. Earlier notification is appreciated. The parent/guardian does not need to call after the first day, if the process has been followed.
Teachers are not expected to provide special tutoring or make-up work and are not obligated to re-teach material missed due to these absences.